If I had a penny for each of the times I’ve started these previews this season with “So the must-win was lost…” I’d have, oooh, at least 5p by now.
However, on Tuesday the
must-win was won, and following that joyous comeback at Bootham Crescent
Hereford FC make the shorter trip to Leamington tomorrow for another match
they’ll be optimistic about taking maximum points from.
Having played well in the first
half last Saturday, and well in the second half on Tuesday, the Bulls will be
looking to hit the heights for the full 90 minutes against the Brakes, and if
they can do so they’d surely be a strong fancy for the win against a side
struggling for consistency. As with the York match, a
Bulls win would see them leapfrog the hosts on their continued scramble up
the table to safety, and would see Leamington heading potentially for a similar finishing
position as last season - just three points above relegation in 19th.
Coach Marc Richards hinted
after the York game that although Mike Symons had been feeling a tight hamstring,
his absence from that trip was more to give him a much-needed rest than
anything, and he looks a likely starter tomorrow. Supporters will no doubt already
be hoping that James Waite’s one-month loan spell can be extended, preferably until
the end of the season, following a very promising debut, and like Symons he
would expect to start.
Although three centre-halves
started on Tuesday, the tactic again largely failed, and was changed at half
time. It strikes me, with my turquoise cagoule head on, that some sort of
4-3-2-1 formation plays to the strengths of the players we’ve got, with the
back four picking itself (ie Harvey Smith missing out), Thomas, Richards and
O’Sullivan in the middle, and Owen-Evans and Waite either side of Symons. If
employed, this would be tough on George Lloyd, who did well against York, but
it would allow the full backs to come forward in instigating attacks, which in
turn would reduce the need to go over the top to Symo quite so frequently. It
would, admittedly, require TOE and Waite to track back when Hereford are
defending. Lloyd could then be employed as a zesty substitute against tiring
defenders.
The hosts go into the match having picked
up just five points from their last five games, alternating draws with
losses before an excellent 3-0 win against Altrincham a fortnight ago. They'll be well rested, having had their game last Saturday postponed. Top scorer Colby Bishop has 18 goals to his name this season, which for Bulls fans is an impenetrably alien notion to contemplate, and ex-Bull James Bowen will no doubt threaten with his long throws, and indeed his all-round game.
This match is another opportunity for the Bulls to add to their tally of 'doubles' this season (a tally currently standing at a majestic one) after a 2-1 comeback win at Edgar Street in August.
Confidence must surely slowly
be returning, as has been evidenced by the improvement in play of late, but the
fact remains that the Bulls need to turn up for the duration of a match. If
they can do that, there are plenty of clubs in greater danger of relegation,
and there are plenty of mid-table clubs with play-off aspirations we’re at
least the equal of. It’s a big if though, on all available evidence to date.
As this is one of the shorter
away trips this season, the players can expect a decent and vocal away
following roaring encouragement. I’m sure that situation will work out better
tomorrow than it did at Aggborough on New Year's Day.
COYW